Tonight I started writing the first lesson/story for ‘BJ the Tutu Maori Kid’ which is a series of ‘pick-a-path’ books inspired by lessons I learnt growing up in Tokoroa.
It came about randomly while picking up my son from day care. It happens every time but tonight it stood out more for some reason. Let me explain.
My son says goodbye to everyone in his class before he leaves for the day. Like – everyone. They hug and kiss and say ‘see you tomorrow’. Then the following day they run to each other and hug and share what they did in the last 12hrs of being apart. All standard stuff right?
There’s also a mixture of cultures and religions, colour, age, size and beliefs but my son and all the other kids don’t care about that. All they care about is being themselves and sharing time with other kids. Seeing this behaviour it warms my heart. As a parent I want my son to get on with other kids, make friendships and learn from other people but part of me thinks oh that’s fine for now but when he gets older …
Why do I think this way?
Well because that’s how it is isn’t it?
Yes or No?
The truth is I don’t really know but experience tells me that he’s fine now but when he goes to Intermediate things will change and then when he gets to High School he’ll most likely become this intolerable kid (like I was) and start judging people on the smallest most insignificant things because it doesn’t fit his beliefs. He’ll start to distance himself from people because of the unknown, he’ll pigeon hole people so it’s easier to not like them. All of these things because …. that’s how the world is and that’s how it’s always been?
Does it have to be? Seriously – does it? If not then how can we contribute to our society being one that everyone is treated equally? I have no idea as it seems like something HUGE for me to wrap my small brain around but I know what I ‘can’ do. That’s give my son the best chance of keeping his current attitude towards people for the rest of his life by leading by example.
So here’s what I’m going to do. As I said, the first lesson I’m going to teach in my book series is inspired by my son, written by me to help other parents share the message of being at one with people from all walks of life so they may be able to guide their kids in the same direction as I want my son to go. To rid the world of this ‘racist’ term and get back to our childhood feelings towards other people.
BJ the Tutu Maori Kid – ” My Friends “